Cycle chic according to the NY Times

[Crankin]

Kitten heels are low (maybe .5-1 inch) heels that are shaped so they are little on the bottom, like regular high heels, but get wider as they approach the bottom of the shoe. Not a good description, but they are basically low heeled dress shoes, with a somewhat different shape. They first were popular in the forties. I love them, because as a short person, I don't look very good in flats with dress clothes, but these heels are low enough to be comfortable.
I am really surprised at the level of animosity toward "fashion." While I wouldn't ride in the clothes described in the article, so what if someone does? I love fashion, clothes, etc. It doesn't mean I don't also like working hard on my bike and getting sweaty and dirty.

[Selkie]

Crankin -- You definitely can carry off a look and have good taste (from your pictures). I enjoy fashion, particularly something well crafted & designed. I'm more of a spectator than participant, though. I have a few nice pieces for briefings, meetings, etc., but the bulk of my work wardrobe is more along the lines of Patagonia dresses & skirts.

[Crankin]

I would wear Patagonia dresses all of the time, if they made them for short people!!! Seriously, I have started buying Athleta's dresses because they are moe "sporty" and they have my size. The down side is that I have to judge by looking at pic on the Internet or catalog and sometimes it just doesn't work out.
Got the Title 9 catalog yesterday. They *never* show people on bikes wearing a helmet. Plus, they had tons of nice stuff I could wear to work, but, nope they also have very few petites.

[shootingstar]

This woman was mentioned months ago in TE.

But here is this 85 yr. U.S. woman who cycles regularily..in a skirt and heels.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theskep...ol-709497@N21/

[Eden]

I saw someone attempting this in Seattle a few days ago... very cute skirt, totally cute jacket, heels (not kitten heels.... but short boots with spiky heels), old 60's style Raleigh - that she had to walk up the hill because it was too steep for her on the old heavy 3 speed.... then she proceeded to ride on the wrong side of the street into oncoming traffic! to get to a crosswalk wherein she crossed against the light.... perhaps she had fashion sense, but no common sense..

[pll]

I am really surprised at the level of animosity toward "fashion." While I wouldn't ride in the clothes described in the article, so what if someone does? I love fashion, clothes, etc. It doesn't mean I don't also like working hard on my bike and getting sweaty and dirty.

There are judgmental attitudes on both sides. Part of the article implied that some people look down on lycra-clad cyclists, or consider them aggressive ('the adult cyclist as infantry soldier'). To some extent, I can relate to that feeling when I think of the groups of motorcyclists I see on occasion.

What I find most annoying about the article is that it implies riding on the sidewalk is OK:

Ms. Page-Green, who likes to speed around on the sidewalk, has encountered hostility. “When you’re going too fast, people get mad at you,” she said.

People may prefer to ride in regular clothes for short commutes, wear no helmet, etc, but they be civil and obey traffic laws. Speeding on the sidewalk or riding against traffic is not acceptable. If someone can ride comfortably in heels, more power to them.